Some things I’ve learned from my garden

Huntsville Forester

MUSKOKA - As the gardening season comes to an end, I just can’t help getting meditative about my garden.
Remember the email that circulated containing quotes by Andy Rooney that started with “I’ve learned that…”? Here’s one that particularly struck me: “I’ve learned that the Lord didn’t do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?” Remember that one when you face a whole yard of weeding.
That got me thinking about my own list of I’ve-learned-that... thoughts from my garden.
I’ve learned that gardening involves making mistakes. It’s inevitable. Gardeners earn their green thumbs by killing lots of plants and figuring out how to avoid doing it again. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.
I’ve learned that if it’s growing well, you’re doing something right. Don’t worry about what the books or your friends say. On the other hand, no matter how much you want to grow a particular plant in a certain spot, you may have to consider moving it if it’s not doing well. You can’t change a plant’s needs. But don’t give up experimenting either — nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I’ve learned that a homegrown tomato tastes the sweetest.
I’ve learned that gloves don’t always work. You have to get your hands dirty sooner or later. Dirt under the fingernails does eventually come out. (Nail polish hides a lot of flaws.) And jeans with dirty knees are OK because you really do need to kneel to get at some weeds.
I’ve learned that it’s OK to leave a few weeds in the garden. Some of them have great flowers. There are no weed inspectors out there to spoil the enjoyment of your garden.
I’ve learned that it’s impossible to have a perfect garden and that I really don’t want one anyway. Perfection is intimidating. Flaws add character. A plant doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful, worthwhile or satisfying.
I’ve learned that things don’t always turn out as planned, but, then again, sometimes surprises are good: a daffodil that pops up in the middle of your lawn; a side shoot that developed variegated leaves; a plant with two different coloured flowers; red bulbs that turned out pink. A garden shouldn’t be too predictable.
I’ve learned that a bloom that lasts one day is not a disappointment. It’s a special moment to be enjoyed because short bloomers are usually spectacular. The disappointment is in missing the bloom because you didn’t visit your garden that day. Stop and appreciate today’s beauty; tomorrow brings change.
I’ve learned that there are more friendly bugs than bad bugs. Even a few bad bugs can be tolerated. It’s when they get out of hand that you have to consider using some form of control. Control is the key word — not annihilation.
I’ve learned that every garden is special, even a single pot on a windowsill or a garden overgrown with weeds. There are usually a few blooms to be enjoyed. Every effort no matter how small yields some beauty.
I’ve learned that no garden is ever finished. There’s always room for one more plant. There’s always a plant to move to a better spot. There’s always a new plant to try. Even if your garden looked great this year you’ll probably spend some time this winter going through seed and plant catalogues looking for new ideas. Gardeners are dynamic people. Aren’t you glad you’re one of us?
I’ve learned that it’s OK to be excited about your garden, but I’ve also learned that it’s best to share your enjoyment with a fellow gardener. Gardeners hold a special bond; non gardeners just don’t get it.
Have a great winter. Elaine Vida is a horticulturist and a landscape designer with an Ontario Diploma of Horticulture from the University of Guelph. She works as a designer with Brackenrig Landscaping, and can be reached at evdesignster@gmail.com.